I managed to snag a seat in First Class a few weeks ago for part of a trip between Amsterdam and Luxembourg because Second Class had been filled to capacity. It seemed a little more roomy and much less crowded, but that's about it.

Check the Nederlands Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways) site at www.ns.nl -- I believe they do have a reduced fare that might be available under some circumstances. (Belgian Railways also has a site you might want to check: www.b-rail.com, or something like that.)

Actually, since I'm forced now to reply in a longer message, let me say that I am indeed indebted to you for your thoughtful and timely advice.

I have perused this again and again, and have typed it in numerous sentences, therefore it MUST be a some value to the group at large. It simply MUST be, since it has continued beyond one or two lines.